Volvo S60 T6 AWD to Gain Drive-E Engine, XC90 Gets Apple CarPlay

When Volvo sheds the last of its inline five- and six-cylinder engines, we’ll be treated to an all-wheel-drive S60 sedan with 302 horsepower—from a four-cylinder.

In America, the top-tier S60 and V60 T6 R-Design are still powered by the delightfully quick 325-hp 3.0-liter turbo six. Eventually, as with the just-introduced Euro-spec T6 models, they’ll get the same 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four from the 2016 XC90, only slightly detuned from 316 to 302 horsepower. We’ve tried this engine in the XC90, and it’s no slouch. At the same time, an eight-speed automatic will replace the current six-speed.

S60 and V60 buyers in Europe can also choose new gasoline three-cylinder T2 and T3 trims, the former making 120 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. Volvo hasn’t released power specs for the T3, but since this engine can handle up to 180 hp, it’s our logical guess that it produces more than the T2. Volvo hasn’t yet said when the Drive-E family of four-cylinder engines (and potentially, the associated three-cylinder, diesels, and plug-in hybrids) will make their way into its U.S. lineup.

In the meantime, the XC90 is rolling out Apple CarPlay, the iPhone interface that can take over the standard Sensus infotainment system—which will also be updated to include live traffic info, new apps like Yelp, and free map updates.